Respect, rules of road important to remember as motorcycles roll out

DOUG STALEY

Wednesday

Apr 30, 2008 at 12:01 AMApr 30, 2008 at 6:57 PM

Sixteen broken ribs and seven stitches to the head were enough to convince J.D. Dawson of the need to wear a motorcycle helmet.

Sixteen broken ribs and seven stitches to the head were enough to convince J.D. Dawson of the need to wear a motorcycle helmet.
Dawson was riding in the Cleveland area three years ago when he was involved in a serious crash.
The veteran biker experienced an attitude adjustment, of sorts.
“That’s when I thought it was cool not to wear a helmet,” Dawson said of the accident. “I was lucky.”
Now, Dawson never rides without one. In Ohio, helmets are only required for novice riders, or those who have had their motorcycle endorsement for less than a year.
Motorcycle safety is being promoted by area law enforcement agencies, which have declared May 2008 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorists are being reminded to be alert when driving to help keep motorcyclists safe.
The arrival of warmer weather means more motorcycles are hitting the streets, Sheriff Tim Swanson said.
“Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on the road so folks in other vehicles need to be on the look out for them,” Swanson said.
Motorcycle fatalities account for 11 percent of all traffic fatalities. The number of fatalities doubled from 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006, Swanson said.
Statewide, there were 453 motorcycle fatalities last year, according to Sgt. Dean Christ, of the Ohio Highway Patrol’s Canton Post.
Christ said 73 percent of those killed were not wearing helmets. More than half, or 67 percent, of the fatal accidents involved single riders that were speeding. Motorcyclists were impaired by drugs and alcohol in 43 percent of the fatal crashes, Christ said.
Christ stressed both motorists and motorcyclists are equally responsible for creating a safe driving environment. Motorcyclists, he said, need to watch their speeds; motorists their rearview mirrors.
“There’s been a great influx of motorcycle traffic in recent years,” Christ said. “Common sense says they will be involved in more traffic accidents.”
Perry Township Police Chief Tim Escola agreed.
“People on motorcycles have to obey the laws and drive with the caution,” he said. “People in cars have to take a second look at intersections to make sure nothing is coming.”
As a result of his accident, Dawson decided to become a motorcycle safety instructor. He serves as director of rider education for the Harley Owners Group of Stark County. “Rider’s Edge” is a basic training course offered through the dealership, he said.
“I tell people to ride smart, ride safe,” he said.
Dawson said motorcyclists should take extra care at intersections, the place where collisions are most likely to occur.
“Usually, if there is an accident, the motorcyclist is not going to win,” he said.
Jackson Township resident John Cvengros, who started riding nearly 20 years ago, describes himself as a defensive motorcyclist.
“People don’t give us the respect and the courtesy because they know you are on a smaller machine,” he said.
Overall, Cvengros, an officer with the Minerva Police Department, believes today’s riders are more responsible. But Cvengros admits he doesn’t wear a helmet because he wants to “enjoy” the ride.
“When it’s your time to go, it’s your time,” he said. “You need to be aware of your personal risk when you ride.”
Besides wearing helmets, there are other ways for motorcyclists to protect themselves. Wearing the proper attire is one of them.
“It really doesn’t make a lot of sense to wear shorts and sandals,” Escola said.
It’s also important for riders to dress in colors as that increases their visibility to drivers, Dawson said.
“If you don’t think they can see you, they probably don’t,” he said. “Bright colors are better than dark even if some people think it’s cool to look the part.”
Motorcyclists also should consider wearing gloves as well as footwear that covers the ankles, he said.
Older riders must be mindful, he added, that their reaction times have slowed.
The rules of the road are little bit different when motorcyclists ride in groups, Dawson said. State law mandates that motorcyclists ride in a staggered formation in groups of no more than 7 to 10 riders. “You need to be more aware of the people around you,” he said.

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Tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on roadways:
• Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width. Never try to share a lane.
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections
• Always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists.
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

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